The well was deep, and had no water in it.

Benedetta injured her left side in the fall; and when she had reached the bottom, her would-be murderer flung a big stone on her which broke her right leg.

She contrived to protect her head by gathering stones around it, and lay without moaning or moving, in the fear that Osio would attempt fresh violence unless he thought her dead.

From the middle of Friday night, until Sunday morning, she remained thus, exploring with her eyes the surface of her dungeon.

It was dry and strewn with bones.